Bariatric surgery in Medellín
Gastric sleeve, bypass and non-surgical options, with board-certified bariatric surgeons at accredited clinics
Bariatric surgery includes several techniques, and each one fits a different patient profile. The right technique depends on your body mass index, your associated conditions and your medical history. MDE Care is not a clinic: we guide you through the options, connect you with the bariatric surgeon who fits your case and arrange the assessment, tests and quote from the very first message.
Save up to 70%
compared with the United States
Which option is right for you and how much does it cost?
Tell us what you are looking for, your height and your weight, and answer two questions. We will show you the option usually indicated in a case like yours, what is checked at the assessment and the guide price.
What are you looking for?
Choose the option that best describes your situation.
Your guidance
Choose what you are looking for
With your reason, your BMI and two questions we show you the guide option, what is checked at the assessment and the price.
Gastric sleeve from COP 23,000,000.
* Guide prices, confirmed at the assessment. This tool offers guidance only and does not replace the judgment of the bariatric surgeon.
Surgeries, non-surgical options and support
Obesity treatment is not limited to a single surgery. These are the options we arrange in Medellín and the support that goes with them.
Surgeries
Gastric sleeve
Reduces the stomach to a narrow tube and removes 75 to 80% of its volume. It is the most performed bariatric technique in the world.
From COP 23,000,000
Gastric bypass
Creates a small pouch connected to the small intestine. It is usually indicated with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, severe reflux or a BMI over 50.
From COP 26,000,000
Mini gastric bypass
A variant of the bypass with a single connection between the stomach and the intestine. The surgeon decides at the assessment whether it is the right option for your case.
COP 20,000,000 to COP 32,000,000
SADI-S
Combines a gastric sleeve with a single-anastomosis intestinal bypass. It is considered for very severe obesity or as revisional surgery.
About COP 32,000,000
Revisional surgery
For patients who already had bariatric surgery and regained weight or have reflux or other discomfort. It includes converting a sleeve into a bypass.
COP 22,000,000 to COP 45,000,000
Not sure which one fits you?
With your height, your weight and two questions, the guide shows you the technique usually indicated and its price.
Use the guide
Non-surgical
Gastric balloon
A silicone balloon in the stomach that brings on early fullness. It is placed by endoscopy or swallowed as a capsule.
COP 12,000,000 to COP 18,000,000
Endoscopic sleeve
Reduces the stomach with internal sutures, through endoscopy and without incisions in the abdomen.
COP 14,000,000 to COP 32,000,000
Non-surgical weight loss treatment
Medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide, always with a prescription and medical follow-up, together with a nutrition plan.
Medication from COP 560,000 per month
Support
Assessment and requirements
The initial consultation with the bariatric surgeon: it determines whether you are a candidate, which technique fits you and which tests you need.
COP 150,000 to COP 300,000
Bariatric nutrition
A plan before surgery and support through the later eating phases, with the supplementation each technique requires.
Consultation from COP 185,000 to COP 280,000
Sleeve, bypass and the other techniques, side by side
Guide prices in Colombian pesos. The final price and technique are confirmed at the assessment.
| Technique | How it works | Excess weight loss | Hospital stay | Guide price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric sleeve | Volume restriction and less ghrelin, the hunger hormone | 60 to 70% at 18 to 24 months | About 1 day | From COP 23,000,000 |
| Gastric bypass | Restriction, selective absorption and hormonal effect | 75 to 85% at 2 years | About 1 day | From COP 26,000,000 |
| Mini gastric bypass | Bypass with a single connection between stomach and intestine | Defined at the assessment | Defined at the assessment | COP 20,000,000 to COP 32,000,000 |
| SADI-S | Gastric sleeve plus a single-anastomosis intestinal bypass | Defined at the assessment | Defined at the assessment | About COP 32,000,000 |
| Gastric balloon | Takes up space in the stomach and brings on fullness sooner | Defined at the assessment | Defined at the assessment | COP 12,000,000 to COP 18,000,000 |
| Endoscopic sleeve | Reduces the stomach with endoscopic sutures | Defined at the assessment | Defined at the assessment | COP 14,000,000 to COP 32,000,000 |
The sleeve and the bypass include surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay and post-operative follow-up. Excess weight loss is an reference average published for each technique; each patient responds differently.
Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?
The criteria bariatric surgeons follow are based on the IFSO 2022 international guidelines. The final indication is always given by the surgeon at the assessment.
It is usually indicated when
- BMI is 40 or more.
- BMI is 35 or more with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea or another associated condition.
- BMI is between 30 and 35 with significant metabolic conditions, a case that is evaluated individually.
- Previous weight loss attempts did not achieve a lasting result.
- Age is between 18 and 65; outside that range each case is evaluated.
- There is a commitment to medical and nutritional follow-up.
It may rule out surgery
- An active eating disorder.
- An uncontrolled psychiatric condition.
- Active use of alcohol or other substances.
- Inability to comply with follow-up afterwards.
- Severe uncontrolled reflux, in the case of the sleeve: it usually points toward the bypass.
If you do not meet the criteria for surgery, there are non-surgical options under medical supervision.
Bariatric surgeons in Medellín
Bariatric surgery is performed by a bariatric surgeon, with specific training in obesity and metabolic surgery. When choosing one, it is worth checking three things: their certification, the clinic where they operate and the team that supports you before and after.
Certification
Surgeons certified by the SCCBM, the Colombian Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, and by the IFSO, the international federation of the specialty.
High-complexity clinic
Surgery is performed laparoscopically, under general anesthesia, at accredited clinics in Medellín.
Complete team
The surgeon, nutrition, internal medicine and anesthesiology take part in preparation and follow-up.
Risks of bariatric surgery
Like any surgery, bariatric surgery has risks. At experienced centers they are uncommon, and the surgeon reviews them with you at the assessment according to your case and the chosen technique.
In the first days
Staple line leak, in less than 2% of cases at expert centers; bleeding, thrombosis, infection or obstruction.
In the long term
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, reflux after the sleeve and, with the bypass, dumping syndrome, marginal ulcer or weight regain.
Mortality for gastric bypass is between 0.1 and 0.3%. Follow-up with the surgeon and nutrition, along with the indicated supplementation, is how late complications are prevented.
From assessment to follow-up, in six steps
Between the first consultation and surgery there are usually 4 to 8 weeks.
Surgical assessment
In person or by video call, with the bariatric surgeon.
Nutritional assessment
A preparation plan with a high-protein diet for 2 to 4 weeks.
Pre-operative tests
Lab tests, electrocardiogram, upper endoscopy and anesthesia assessment.
Medical optimization
With internal medicine, if diabetes or high blood pressure needs adjusting.
Surgery
Laparoscopic, 1 to 3 hours depending on the technique, with about 1 day in the hospital.
Follow-up
Visits with the surgeon at months 1, 3, 6 and 12, regular nutrition visits and telehealth if you live abroad.
Bariatric surgery in Medellín for international patients
The same surgery costs up to 70% less in Medellín than in the United States. We arrange the initial video call, pre-operative tests, a quote in dollars, accommodation and telehealth follow-up once you return home.
- Recommended stay of 4 to 6 days for the sleeve and 5 to 7 days for the bypass.
- Care in Spanish and English.
- Supported recovery at our recovery house.
Reference price in the United States
Gastric sleeve
In Medellín from USD 5,750
USD 15,000 to 25,000
Gastric bypass
In Medellín from USD 6,500
USD 20,000 to 35,000
Medellín prices converted at COP 4,000 per dollar, for reference.
What MDE Care does for you
We are not a clinic or a directory. We support you from the first question to the follow-up visits.
Initial guidance
We review your case before referring you to a consultation.
The right surgeon
We connect you with the bariatric surgeon who fits your case.
Transparent quote
You know what the price includes before you book or travel.
Appointments and tests
We coordinate the schedule, pre-operative tests and timing.
Logistics support
Accommodation and transport if you come from another city or country.
Follow-up
We also coordinate the visits after surgery.
About bariatric surgery in Medellín
How much does bariatric surgery cost in Medellín?
Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?
Who are the bariatric surgeons in Medellín?
What is the difference between gastric sleeve and gastric bypass?
How many days in the hospital are required?
Are there weight loss options without surgery?
How long should I stay in Medellín if I travel from abroad?
How much does a bariatric evaluation cost?
Not sure which technique is right for you?
Tell us your height, your weight and any associated conditions, and we will guide you before the assessment.
Before and after surgery
Request your bariatric surgery assessment in Medellín
Tell us your height, your weight and any conditions you have. We will let you know which technique usually applies, which tests are needed and the price before you book.